Geology: Interdisciplinary Earth

Introduces theory, practice, and real-world examples of advantages and challenges of interdisciplinary approaches. This includes an understanding of natural science principles, but also a critical interrogation of origins and issues related to the prevailing, often exclusive, culture in natural sciences. Drawing from examples in the geosciences and critical zone science, medicine, and engineering, students will be engaged in discussions on science, sustainability, data analyses, teamwork, and communication.

Open to degree and PACE students

Welcome to Interdisciplinary Earth! This course explores cognitive, applied and reflective aspects necessary for interdisciplinary work in the Earth system and sustainability. We will examine how disciplines form, how knowledge is produced and transmitted, and how scientific reasoning (inductive and deductive) shapes inquiry (cognitive). We will analyze data, interpret real-world examples, and practice team processes where we integrate information across disciplinary boundaries (applied). We also will engage the reflective side of interdisciplinary work, that is, how experiences, epistemologies, and identities influence research, communication, and collaboration. This course fulfills the Natural Science (N1), Quantitative and Data Literacy (QD), and Sustainability (SU) requirements for the Catamount Core.

In this interdisciplinary course, you can expect to encounter both familiar and unfamiliar material. Some topics may align closely with your major or interests, while others may stretch your comfort zone. This is by design, working across disciplines requires openness to new ways of thinking and doing. You are expected to engage by preparing for class and contributing your knowledge, by participating in activities and group work, and reflect on your own assumptions and learning processes. Full participation, intellectual, practical, and interpersonal, is essential for developing interdisciplinary understanding.

Your performance will be evaluated through a combination of pre-meeting quizzes, open-book quizzes, a reflection on sustainability and a group project. These assessments are designed to evaluate your understanding of scientific thought and data analysis (N1, QD), your ability to work with data and draw conclusions from real-world examples (QD), and your understanding of the complex dimensions of sustainability (SU). You will also participate in group exercises and reflect on the importance of collaboration and team functioning.